From Dirt Issue 114 – August 2011
Words: Tom ‘get-hin’ Gethin. Photos: Pete Newman.We’ve all got a preference to the type of wheels we run, some like Mavic, others DT Swiss. Up until now I was a Mavic man. Mavic wheels are light, strong and dependable. But with the Halo 4XR wheels, I could be on the turn…
These 4XR wheels are new this year to the Halo range. Looking at them for the first time you’re drawn to the anodised red hubs and nipples, laced with black spokes and rims (white rims are also available), with some new graphics to top off a fantastic looking package.
The rims are 26mm wide and only come in 32 hole to save that all important rotational weight from your bike. The front wheel weighs in at 875g using the ever popular cartridge bearing Spin Doctor Pro hub, a great build and very light. My only criticism would be that the 20mm adapters aren’t attached to the hub, so it’s a bit of a faff every time the wheel is removed and replaced.
The rear wheel weighs in at 920g and is built around the Supadrive hub with its 120 point engagement clutch system. Sprinting out of the gate, or exiting a corner you notice the instant pickup from the hub. No waiting around for the pawls to catch up with the speed of the hub, just instant bite. This is a must have for any 4X racer that wants to get ahead of the pack. Along with the great performance, you get a very solid hum from the hub. Maybe this isn’t important to some people, but I quite liked it. You can save yourself £55 by going for the rear Spin Doctor hub rather than the Supadrive, but personally I’d take the extra hit because I reckon that immediate pick–up is worth it.
At 1795g for the pair these wheels are pretty damn light considering they’re not using any special spokes or crazy aerospace material. My old Hope Pro2’s on Mavic EX721’s weighed around 2100g, and I thought that was light! 300g could be the difference in getting your front wheel in front by the first corner.
I’ve been riding and racing on these wheels for months now, and I hate to say it but I’ve cased a fair few jumps and landed sideways on numerous occasions and they are still ‘straight as’. I’d recommend these wheels to anyone wanting to lose some weight and gain that extra advantage on the person next to you in the gate, or if you’re not a racer they are just as good for hacking down the woods or razzing around a trail centre. Their versatility is improved even further by the ability to run both front and rear hubs with pretty much every type of axle there is going.
For the package you’re getting, at this price point, the Halo wheels are a bargain, whether you are a full on 4Xracer or just a Sunday trail type man. Whether you’re a saint or sinner, buy yourself a couple of rings of light, fit them to your bike, then smash the hell out of them. I can see your Halo, Halo, Halo…
Price: Front £135.00, Rear £199.99 Ison Distribution[series]
